Recovery of Yellowstone Grizzly Bears Reaffirmed by USFWS

After public comments were considered, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife service has reaffirmed the delisting of Yellowstone Ecosystem grizzly bears from the Endangered Species Act.

Assistant Regional Director of External Affairs, Jennifer Munoz said the delisting originally occurred in December of 2017.

“Strong partnerships involving the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, federal and state agencies, tribes and other partners continue to contribute to the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem grizzly bear’s remarkable recovery,” said Munoz. “Today, the Service reaffirmed its final rule delisting the population under the Endangered Species Act.”

In the Notice of Regulatory Review, the Service requested public comments on whether the court ruling affects the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem grizzly bear final delisting rule and what, if any, additional evaluation the Service should consider regarding the remaining grizzly bear populations.

“After a thorough review of public comments, the Service affirms the decision that the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem grizzly bear population is recovered and should remain delisted under the ESA,” she said. “The Service’s determination to designate a Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem grizzly bear population and delist it was consistent with the ESA, with Service policies, and with the U.S. Department of the Interior’s longstanding legal interpretation of the ESA.”

To read more about how the Service’s determination addresses the court opinion, click here.